Experience RePublic: Our Voice, Our Story, Our Connection
At RePublic Schools, we focus on amplifying the voices of our scholars and staff. We share transformative stories and emphasize the connections that drive our mission of love, achievement, and belonging. In the “Our Voice, Our Story, Our Connection” series, scholars, staff, and school leaders share why they choose RePublic each day. Recently, we spoke with Dr. Jasmine Thornton, our new Chief Scholar and Family Experience Officer. During our conversation, she shared her inspiring story and the significant impact she has made in our schools.
Tell us a little about your background with RePublic Schools.
This year marks my 10th with RePublic Schools, but I truly believe my journey in education reform started long before—back when I was a scholar growing up in Greenville, Mississippi. Nestled in the heart of the Delta, Greenville is rich with culture—known for the Blues, hot tamales, and being the Port City of the Mississippi Delta. But too often, it’s only associated with poverty and being at the bottom when it comes to academic outcomes. As a first-generation college graduate from the Mississippi Delta, I know what it’s like to be counted out. In my earliest years, people didn’t look at me and see what was possible. My identity markers weren’t seen as symbols of potential—but I knew I was capable of greatness.
Thankfully, there were educators, community leaders, and family members along my journey who believed in me even when society did not. That deep understanding of what it means to be overlooked is what called me to this work. I came to RePublic because I believed in its bold mission, and I stay because I’ve been empowered to lead in a way that centers love, excellence, and belongingness. My purpose is to ensure that every scholar, especially those who share a story like mine, knows that their identity is a badge of honor—and that school can be a place where they are seen, celebrated, and set up to thrive in school and beyond.
Our Voice
As a Black woman from the Deep South, my voice carries generations of resilience, wisdom, and lived experience that too often go unheard in decision-making spaces. I come from a place where community meant everything, where faith and fortitude were woven into our every step, and where we learned to thrive in spite of systems that weren’t built for us. That perspective doesn’t just inform how I lead—it shapes what I fight for. In a network committed to anti-racism and excellence, my voice matters because it represents the very communities we serve.
It challenges us to not just talk about equity, but to build structures that reflect it. I believe that scholars and families should see themselves in those who influence their educational journey. When I speak, I carry their stories and hopes with me. It’s important to be heard not just so we check a box, but because justice, joy, and achievement look different when we’re all at the table. My voice adds depth, context, and truth to the collective, and I use it boldly—because silence has never been the answer for us.
Our Story
Understanding and sharing our collective stories is how we build the kind of community that lasts. When we take the time to truly listen to each other—to where we’ve come from, what we’ve survived, and what we dream for our children—we start to see that we’re not just individuals working in the same place. We’re a part of something bigger. As someone who grew up in the Deep South, I know the power of storytelling. It’s how our people have passed down wisdom, held onto joy, and preserved our dignity in the face of struggle.
When we share our stories across our school network, we make space for empathy, for understanding, and for deeper connection. It allows us to see the humanity in one another and to lead with compassion, not just compliance. More than anything, our stories remind us why we do this work. They help us stay rooted in our “why” and push us to create a culture that honors identity, celebrates resilience, and fosters belonging. That’s how we build schools that don’t just teach scholars—but truly serve them.
Our Connection
Fostering meaningful connections begins with being fully present—open, engaged, and committed to understanding people beyond their roles or titles. With scholars, I learn their names, listen to their stories, and understand their dreams, ensuring they feel valued every day. I make eye contact, celebrate their achievements, and create a safe space for their truths, even when it’s challenging. With team members, I lead with vulnerability and build trust. I cultivate a culture where everyone feels safe to be honest, where feedback is a gift, and where we recognize our shared humanity. I strive to be a leader who listens deeply and walks alongside others, rather than above them.
In engaging with the broader community, I prioritize partnership over performative engagement. I want families and community members to know that this isn’t just a school in their neighborhood—it’s their school. I center their voices, honor their wisdom, and create opportunities for their leadership. These connections lie at the heart of our mission. They remind us that our work is not just about policies or test scores; it’s about people. When individuals feel seen, valued, and connected, we move closer to fulfilling our commitment to love, achievement, and belonging.
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